A new poll reveals that Ontario Premier Doug Ford's approval rating has reached its lowest level since he was first elected in 2018. The survey indicates a significant drop of 10 points in his approval rating over the past three months, with only 21 per cent of respondents expressing support for his work, down from 48 per cent after the 2025 Ontario election.

Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute, commented on the volatility of Ford's approval ratings, noting, “when he’s up, he’s up; when he’s down, he’s down.” This trend underscores the inconsistent nature of public sentiment towards Ford, especially as the province approaches a year since his Progressive Conservative Party secured a third majority government under the campaign slogan "Protect Ontario."

Ford’s approval rating, which once soared to 69 per cent in May 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, has since plummeted. His current rating reflects a growing dissatisfaction among Ontario voters, particularly as the economy faces challenges and several controversies emerge. Issues such as the government's decision to purchase and subsequently sell a private jet for nearly $200,000 have not helped his standing with the public, according to Kurl.

Further insights from the poll indicate that 21 per cent of respondents either strongly or moderately approve of Ford, while a significant 45 per cent strongly disapprove of his performance. Ontario NDP MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam pointed out the continued series of scandals during Ford's tenure, combined with rising unemployment and living costs, stating, “People are just not buying it anymore.”

The Angus Reid Institute is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that focuses on public opinion research. Ford has often dismissed unfavorable polls unless they align with his narrative that “people don’t care” about the various scandals associated with his administration, including a notable reversal on a plan to develop parts of the Greenbelt in 2023.

In response to the criticism, Ford emphasized that the only poll that matters is the one on election day, a sentiment echoed by Ontario Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister Stan Cho. He stated, “The only poll that counts is the one on election day," reinforcing the idea that public opinion may fluctuate leading up to elections.

With the Ontario economy grappling with affordability issues and ongoing scrutiny of the Ford government, critics argue that accountability remains a pressing concern. Kurl remarked on the government’s struggles to provide adequate solutions to the mounting problems, questioning why action has not been taken sooner if resolutions are possible.

Experts from Angus Reid have noted that Ford's previous ability to recover from low approval ratings has been aided by a divided opposition and the Ontario Liberal Party's struggles with consistent leadership. However, changes are anticipated in the fall, which could usher in increased scrutiny of Ford’s administration in the future.